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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

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…
Ben Crump, Erika McGriff
October 15, 2025
Attorney Ben Crump called the viral arrest of Jacksonville woman Erika McGruff another episode of "excessive force" toward Black people.
NBC News, Layoffs
October 15, 2025
150 NBC News employees were laid off on Wednesday (Oct. 15) with major cuts to NBC BLK, NBC Asian America,…
Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z
October 15, 2025
Amid her crusade against Jay-Z and Roc Nation for a number of reasons, Nicki Minaj is apparently putting her new…
Samsung Supper Club With D'Angelo At SXSW 2015
October 15, 2025
Imani Archer, the daughter of late R&B legend D’Angelo, honors her father on Instagram with a touching tribute.
2024 NAACP Theatre Awards
October 15, 2025
“Family Matters” star Darius McCrary says arrest over unpaid child support is a “misunderstanding,” claiming he never received court notice.
Dawn Staley
October 14, 2025
After interviewing for the New York Knicks job, Hall of Famer Dawn Staley gets blunt about the chance of the…
Amy Robach, TJ Holmes
October 14, 2025
Three years after their 'GMA3' scandal, former co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes reveal on their podcast they're headed down…
October 14, 2025
The ’Real Housewives of Potomac’ star faces 16 charges, including seven felonies related to an bulgary she reported at her…
Miguel, Miguel kids, Miguel baby, Miguel son, does miguel have kids?, Does Miguel have a child?, theGrio.com
October 14, 2025
Miguel welcomed his son Angelito in 2024 and after fan backlash and speculation, is defending the move and his reputation.
Hayley Williams
October 13, 2025
Hayley Williams discusses Paramore's diverse fan base, why Black fans gravitate toward the band, and how Stevie Wonder inspired her.