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About Brandon Caldwell

Brandon Caldwell is a staff writer and journalist at theGrio.com, where he contributes his expertise in music and pop culture. With a career spanning over a decade, Brandon has established himself as a prominent voice in music journalism, previously serving on the Audience Engagement team at ESPN and as the Online Editor for Radio One Houston.

His extensive editorial background includes serving as the editor-in-chief of Day & A Dream.com. Under his leadership, the site grew from a grassroots project started in 2009 to a significant cultural platform, amassing over 3 million unique views while providing a launchpad for up-and-coming freelance and music journalists in the Houston area.

Brandon's reporting and commentary have appeared in a wide array of prestigious publications, including Pitchfork, Billboard, Texas Monthly, and Complex. A member of The Recording Academy, he has provided on-the-ground coverage for major industry events such as the ESSENCE Festival, South By Southwest (SXSW), and Atlanta’s A3C Hip-Hop Festival.
Areas of Expertise

Music Journalism
Hip-Hop Culture
Pop Culture Analysis
Live Festival Coverage
Audience Engagement

Professional Experience

Staff Writer and Journalist — theGrio.com (Present)
Audience Engagement Team — ESPN
Online Editor — Radio One Houston
Editor-in-Chief — Day & A Dream.com (2009–2018)

Education or Background
A native of Missouri City, Texas, Brandon currently resides in Arcola, Texas. His work is deeply rooted in an understanding of 21st-century media and a commitment to creative storytelling within the music scene.

All Articles

Charlamagne Tha God, Government Shutdown
November 4, 2025
Charlamagne Tha God used "The Breakfast Club" on Monday to urge Democrats to end the government shutdown to give relief…
Taraji P. Henson, 50 Cent
November 4, 2025
Taraji P. Henson is in her booked and busy season. The Academy Award nominee is set to star in an…
Keith Lee mental health, Keith Lee opens up about mental health, Keith Lee mental health journey, Keith Lee TikTok, Keith Lee anxiety, Keith Lee depression theGrio.com
November 4, 2025
Keith Lee is doing it big for families in need this holiday season, launching a food drive to help those…
Kandi Burruss, Soulja Boy, T.I.
November 3, 2025
Leave it to the King of the South to end one of Atlanta's weirdest feuds between Kandi Burruss and Soulja…
Wes Moore
November 3, 2025
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced on Monday the state would provide $62M in funding for SNAP benefits in the state…
Jeezy, Las Vegas, TM 101 Orchestra
November 3, 2025
Jeezy is officially in the record books with his "TM 101: Live" residency in Las Vegas for the largest orchestra…
Whitney Houston, WInnie Harlow
November 3, 2025
Winnie Harlow took to Instagram to clear the air on her Whitney Houston costume choice for Halloween and the backlash…
Setti Warren
November 3, 2025
Setti Warren, the director of Harvard's Institute of Politics and Massachusetts' first Black elected mayor died Sunday. He was 55.
Mo'Nique, Oprah, Tyler Perry
November 1, 2025
Mo'Nique isn't letting up with her issues with Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. 15+ years after 'Precious,' the Oscar winner…
Meek Mill, Meek Mill NYC, NYPD
November 1, 2025
Meek Mill spent part of his Halloween in handcuffs. The Philadelphia rapper was detained after cops responded to a call…
Taye Diggs,
November 1, 2025
Taye Diggs might be in his 50s, but the forever heartthrob is letting it be known: he's never giving up…
Andrew Cuomo, Eugene Daniels, Jonathan Capehart, MSNBC
November 1, 2025
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made a major admission during a recent interview on MSNBC -- before making a…
Toni Braxton, Kayla Nicole, Halloween, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce
November 1, 2025
Kayla Nicole might have won Halloween with her Toni Braxton homage, but fans are peeping the shade toward her ex…
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, the Obamas
October 31, 2025
How do you keep date nights fun after 30+ years of marriage? For Michelle Obama and husband Barack -- they're…
Megan Thee Stallion, Klay Thompson
October 31, 2025
The Hot Girl Coach is in love! Megan Thee Stallion joined Jennifer Hudson and explained what inspired her new "Lover…
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
October 31, 2025
Robbers broke into the home of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Thursday while his Oklahoma City Thunder played the Washington Wizards.
October 31, 2025
Huda Beauty is taking a stand against racism after Huda Mustafa's recent livestream, ending their partnership with the "Love Island"…
Offset, Cardi B, Stefon Diggs, Rap Beef
October 31, 2025
Offset is making his feelings known about Cardi B's new relationship with Stefon Diggs, firing disses on his "NO SWEAT"…
Sean Grayson, Sonya Massey
October 29, 2025
Before Sean Grayson was convicted of killing Sonya Massey, the ex-cop had a lengthy disciplinary record and several red flags.
Keith Powers,
October 29, 2025
Five years after revealing alcohol was a coping mechanism for his mental health, Keith Powers is sharing he's now 300…