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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

Sherell Pringle
November 21, 2025
48-year-old Bruce Maiben will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted in the 2021 killing of…
Ayanna Pressley, Home Valuations, Appraisal Modernization Act
November 21, 2025
Rep. Ayanna Pressley has filed a new bill aimed to combat systemic racism and prejudices in home appraisals.
David Haughton
November 19, 2025
A March decision to end the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program has created a ripple effect for…
Mia Thornton, RHOP, Real Housewives of Potomac
November 19, 2025
According to a police report, Thornton is accused of stealing $11,000 worth of furniture from a condo she vacated on…
MacKenzie Scott, HBCU donations
November 19, 2025
MacKenzie Scott continues to give. After her latest donation, the billionaire has donated nearly $1 billino to HBCUs nationwide in…
Stefon Diggs Cardi B baby theGrio.com
November 19, 2025
Cardi B is overjoyed! The rapper and mother of four took to Instagram to reveal the first photos of her…
Topher, Solomon Ray, Christopher Townsend
November 19, 2025
The man behind the successful AI artist Solomon Ray is hitting back at critics as the artist's songs and albums…
Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul
November 18, 2025
Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul seems like a complete mismatch on paper. But why is the fight happening? One very,…
50 Cent, Vivica A. Fox,
November 18, 2025
Vivica A. Fox made waves last month when she detailed why you shouldn't date rappers, but the actress revealed why…
Naturi Naughton
November 18, 2025
Naturi Naughton knows about having to "snap back" post pregnancy, but there was another reason why the star rededicated herself…
Victoria Monet, Xania Monet,
November 18, 2025
Victoria Monet is the latest singer-songwriter to call out AI in music, particularly AI R&B artist Xania Monet.
Jordan Garcia, Kiyah Mae Scott, Newark, NJ,
November 17, 2025
Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward after a child and a young mother were killed in a mass shooting in…
Robin Roberts, Roberta Flack
November 17, 2025
Legendary singer Roberta Flack is the next artist to receive the biopic and documentary treatment, courtesy of Robin Roberts.
Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, NFL,
November 17, 2025
The home of Browns QB Shedeur Sanders was broken into Sunday while he was making his NFL debut vs. the…
Mike Epps
November 17, 2025
Mike Epps' Day-Day character is beloved in the 'Friday' universe but the longtime comedian and actor recalls his awkward scene…
James Pickens Jr., prostate cancer
November 15, 2025
'Grey's Anatomy' actor James Pickens Jr. isn't shying away from his prostate cancer diagnosis and how it has affected his…
Texas A&M, South Carolina, Texas State Trooper
November 15, 2025
A Texas State trooper was relieved of game-day duties at Texas A&M after he bumped into two South Carolina players…
Donald Trump, Pardons
November 15, 2025
President Trump issued additional pardons to two individuals for offenses that weren't covered during their original January 6 pardons.
Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls, 2007 Oscars theGrio.com
November 15, 2025
Eddie Murphy is finally weighing in on him losing the Academy Award to Alan Arkin in 2007, but what made…
Errol Musk
November 15, 2025
Errol Musk, Elon's father, delivered a scathing rebuke of the U.S. not being a majorly white country in an interview…