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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

Donald Trump, Crypto, Bitcoin, Maxine Waters, theGrio.com
October 24, 2025
Congresswoman Maxine Waters isn't pleased with President Trump's pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao "appalling but unsurprising."
Cam Newton, Special Forces, NFL players, Black NFL players, Black reality TV players, theGrio.com
October 24, 2025
Cam Newton almost put the paws on the Alabama A&M mascot after a 'First Take' segment went a little farther…
Michael B. Jordan, Miami Vice,
October 24, 2025
Michael B. Jordan might have another blockbuster on his hands. The "Sinners" star is in talks to join a new…
Master P, Birdman, Cash Money Records, No Limit Records
October 24, 2025
Verzuz is making a major comeback in Las Vegas as part of ComplexCon with Cash Money Records vs. No Limit…
Wanya Morris, Chilli of TLC, Babyface,
October 22, 2025
After a 2017 interview from Chilli of TLC resurfaced, Wanya Morris konw who started the "lie" Boyz II Men didn't…
D'Angelo
October 22, 2025
Fans and peers alike flocked to D'Angelo's catalog after the singer's untimely passing, with a 796% increase compared to the…
Chris Brown, Kevin McCall
October 22, 2025
Chris Brown seemingly isn't here for Kevin McCall's wishes for $25K, responding to McCall's viral interview with a post on…
October 22, 2025
Sister Nancy, the "Bam Bam" legend who is the subject of a new documentary, champions Jay-Z as the person who…
Russell Wilson
October 21, 2025
Russell Wilson still has an issue with former head coach Sean Payton. In a rare moment on Twitter, Wilson referred…
Bryant Gumbel
October 21, 2025
Bryant Gumbel was taken to a New York-area hospital on Monday after suffering a "medical emergency" according to TMZ.
Kandi Burruss, Soulja Boy, Speak On It Podcast
October 21, 2025
Kandi Burruss isn't shying away from an issue. After Soulja Boy delivered a profane rant against her, Burruss wants a…
Kevin McCall, Chris Brown, EBT, Back On Figg
October 21, 2025
In an emotionally charged interview, Kevin McCall opens up on being on EBT and allegedly being owed $25K by Chris…
Omar Gooding, Tyrese, Baby Boy
October 21, 2025
Omar Gooding opens up on 'Baby Boy,' and how he and Tyrese nearly came to blows over creative differences in…
Shaboozey, Shaboozey A Bar Song Tipsy, Shaboozey CMA, Shaboozey Hot 100 charts, Did Shaboozey win a CMA?, What song was #1 the longest?, Shaboozey Hot 100, Shaboozey cam 2024 theGrio.com
October 20, 2025
Shaboozey is standing up for Bad Bunny and his selection as the Super Bowl halftime show performer, calling the move…
Gayle King, Jesse Watters, CBS News, Fox News
October 20, 2025
Gayle King is in hot water after posting a selfie with news rival and controversial Fox News host Jesse Watters…
Doug Martin
October 20, 2025
Doug Martin, a former NFL running back for the Buccaneers and Raiders, died Saturday (Oct. 18) while in Oakland police…
Ajike Owens, The Perfect Neighbor
October 20, 2025
Netflix's 'The Perfect Neighbor' is a hit with audiences and director Geeta Gandbhir is quick to call it what it…
Brian McKnight, Niko McKnight, Black celebrity children, Brian McKnight Jr., theGrio.com
October 17, 2025
Brian McKnight Jr. is calling out his father Brian McKnight after a "petty" Instagram post about winning an $8.8M judgment.
Tupac, 2Pac, Brenda's Got A Baby
October 17, 2025
Davonn Hodge, the subject of 2Pac's "Brenda's Got A Baby," opens up on the massive revelation and how he reconnected…
Paris Jackson, Paris Jackson Michael Jackson, Paris Jackson engagement, Paris Jackson boyfriend, Paris Jackson now, theGrio.com
October 17, 2025
Michael Jackson's estate is hitting back at Paris Jackson, claiming she has been given over eight figures since her father's…