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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

Stephen A. Smith, Stephen A. Smith President, Stephen A. Smith Sean Hannity, Stephen A. Smith Politics
March 9, 2026
Stephen A. Smith is putting to bed aspirations of him running for president in a new chat with Sean Hannity…
Michelle Buteau, Michelle Buteau Survival of the Thickest, Michelle Buteau Netflix, Survival of the Thickest Netflix,
March 9, 2026
Michelle Buteatu is preparing to say goodbye to the world of Mavis Beaumount and Netflix's 'Survival of the Thickest' for…
Howard University, Howard University Student Athletes, Howard University National Anthem, Howard University Requirements
March 9, 2026
A new policy has been instituted at Howard University, stating student-athletes can no longer kneel during the national anthem.
Kai Cenat, Kai Cenat Hate, Kai Cenat Hate Wall, Kai Cenat Therapy, Kai Cenat Mental Health
March 9, 2026
Kai Cenat has a new tool to help motivate him beyond self-doubt: a legit physical hate wall from online critics.
Barack Obama Presidential Center, George W. Bush Obama Presidential Center, Donald Trump Obama Presidential Center
March 7, 2026
According to reports, former President George W. Bush will attend the opening ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, not Donald…
Jeremih, Jeremih Health Issues Jeremih Boys 4 Life Tour, Jeremih Chicago, Jeremih News
March 7, 2026
Singer Jeremih was forced to pull out of the "Boys 4 Life Tour" featuring B2K, Bow Wow and others due…
Ambulance, Harmonie Wright, Zachariah Padilla, Zachariah Padilla death, Zachariah Padilla news
March 7, 2026
A mother is seeking the public's help in identifying the driver who hit and killed her 4-year-old son in New…
Amber Riley Glee, Amber Riley, Amber Riley Glee Pilot, Amber Riley Talks Glee Pilot
March 7, 2026
Amber Riley reveals the “Glee” pilot was filmed at her brother’s Long Beach high school, and reflects on how the…
Wunmi Mosaku, Wunmi Mosaku Sinners, Wunmi Mosaku BAFTAs, Wunmi Mosaku John Davidson
March 7, 2026
Wunmi Mosaku says her win at last month's BAFTA Awards was tainted due to the controversial incident involving John Davidson.
Byron Allen, Byron Allen Starz, Byron Allen Starz Acquisition, Byron Allen $25 Million
March 7, 2026
Media mogul Byron Allen has acquired a 10 percent stake in premium cable network Starz for a price point of…
Grambling, Grambling State University, Grambling Logo, Grambling University Logo
March 6, 2026
Grambling State University has secured a trademark milestone, securing the mark for its iconic "G" logo after a years-long fight.
Sherrone Moore, Sherrone Moore Court, Sherrone Moore Michigan, Sherrone Moore Case
March 6, 2026
Disgraced former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore reached a plea deal in a case that rocked the university last December.
Meghan Markle, Meghan Markle Netflix, Meghan Markle Brand, Meghan Markle As Ever, thegrio.com
March 6, 2026
Netflix is divesting from Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand As Ever, according to multiple reports. The brand launched in early 2025.
Tee Grizzley, Tee Grizzley Detroit, Tee Grizzley Detroit Apartments
March 6, 2026
Tee Grizzley is giving back. The Detroit rapper is planning to help create a $12 million mixed-use development in his…
Tim Scott, Black Republicans, Black Republicans Congress, Wesley Hunt Congress, Byron Donalds Congress, Burgess Owens Congress
March 6, 2026
After Tuesday's primaries, the number of Black Republicans in Congress will shrink even more from five to possibly one.
Kirk Franklin, Kirk Franklin Super Bowl, Kirk Franklin Super Bowl Halftime Show
March 4, 2026
Kirk Franklin, Super Bowl halftime performer? The gospel star revealed what it would take to get him on the NFL's…
LisaRaye, LisaRaye Granddaughter, LisaRaye American Black Film Festival Honors, American Black Film Festival Honors
March 4, 2026
LisaRaye McCoy brought her favorite red carpet date to the ABFF Honors, but her 9-year-old granddaughter stole the show.
Teyana Taylor Perfidia Beverly Hills, Teyana Taylor One Battle After Another, Perfidia Beverly Hills, Teyana Taylor OBAA
March 4, 2026
Teyana Taylor reveals she's "begging" director Paul Thomas Anderson for a spinoff for Perifida Beverly Hills after 'One Battle After…
Abbott Elementary Renewed, Abbott Elementary Season Six, Abbott Elementary Season 6
March 4, 2026
Get ready for more "Abbott Elementary." The series has been picked up for a sixth season by ABC, putting it…
Gayle King, Gayle King CBS, Galye King New Contract, Gayle King CBS Contract
March 4, 2026
The Gayle King era of CBS will continue on. According to multiple reports, the longtime 'CBS Mornings' anchor has signed…