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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

Tiffany D. Cross, Tiffany Cross New Book, Tiffany D. Cross Love Me
May 5, 2026
In a conversation about her new book, Tiffany Cross offers a statement for Black women and healing from a multitude…
Stefon Diggs, Stefon Diggs Trial, Stefon Diggs Verdict
May 5, 2026
A Massachusetts jury found NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs not guilty of charges related to an alleged 2025 assault on…
Victoria Monét, Victoria Monét Culinary School, Victoria Monet, Victoria Monet Culinary School,
May 5, 2026
Victoria Monét can add another title to her impressive résumé: chef. The "On My Mama" singer graduated from culinary school…
Will Packer, Will Packer FAMU, FAMU, Will Packer HBCU, HBCU Strengths, Importance of HBCUs
May 5, 2026
ands that things are bigger at HBCUs when alumni succeed, and he's touting his experience at FAMU as a guide.
Beyoncé Met Gala, Blue Ivy Carter Met Gala, Jay-Z Met Gala, Met Gala 2026,
May 4, 2026
Beyoncé made her return to the Met Gala in style, wearing an Olivier Rousteing gown, joined by her daughter Blue,…
Al Sharpton, Al Sharpton Met Gala, Al Sharpton Billionaires Met Gala, Al Sharpton Met Gala 2026
May 4, 2026
Rev. Al Sharpton used his moment at the 2026 Met Gala to deliver a message to billionaires, namely that his…
Naomi Osaka, Naomi Osaka Met Gala, Naomi Osaka Met Gala 2026
May 4, 2026
Naomi Osaka made an early statement at the 2026 Met Gala, delivering a costume change in Robert Wun that spoke…
Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Barack Obama AI Video, Donald Trump AI Video,
May 4, 2026
Barack Obama isn't giving Donald Trump the satisfaction of anger after the President shared an AI-video depicting him and Michelle…
thegrio, Shedeur Sanders, NFL Draft, University of Colorado, Deion Sanders
May 2, 2026
Shedeur Sanders graduated from Colorado Saturday, but not before paying homage to his father and their family tradition.
Stephen A. Smith, theGrio.com, Stephen A. Smith Cam Newton, Stephen A. Smith Critics,
May 2, 2026
During an appearance on 'Funky Friday' with Cam Newton, Stephen A. Smith sounded off on his critics ... and why…
Jovita Moore, Jovita Moore Mural, Jovita Moore Atlanta, Bellwood Coffee, Bellwood Coffee Atlanta
May 2, 2026
A coffee shop in Atlanta is facing widespread backlash from the community after painting over a mural dedicated to Jovita…
Love & Hip Hop, Love & Hip Hop VH1, Love & Hip Hop MTV, Love & Hip Hop Canceled, Love & Hip Hop Ends, Love & Hip Hop Final Chapter
May 2, 2026
Paramount is pulling the plug on the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise with an upcoming six-part special titled "Love &…
Howard University, Howard University Sollomon Crowder, Howard Univeristy, Jimisha Iman Relerford, Howard University Students, Graduation
May 1, 2026
Hours after missing Howard University student Sollomon Crowder was found dead, the university announced the death of Dr. Jimisha Relerford.
Keisha Lance Bottoms Georgia Governor, Joe Biden Keisha Lance Bottoms, Keisha Lance Bottoms Georgia, Joe Biden Georgia
May 1, 2026
Former President Joe Biden is making his first public endorsement since leaving office, backing Keisha Lance Bottoms for Governor of…
DK Metcalf, DK Metcalf Lions, DK Metcalf Criminal Complaint, DK Metcalf Detroit Lions
May 1, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf won't face criminal charges after a 2025 incident where he swung on a Lions…
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Denzel Washington, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Man on Fire, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II All The Smoke, Denzel Washington Man on Fire
May 1, 2026
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II didn't want to reach out to Denzel Washington for 'Man on Fire,' but the Oscar winner still…
Sinbad, Sinbad Stroke, Sinbad Comedy, Sinbad News, Sinbad Update
April 29, 2026
Years after a stroke kept him from walking and performing, Sinbad has announced two comeback shows, with his daughter opening…
Angie Nixon Florida, Angie Nixon, Angie Nixon Florida Protest, Florida Gerrymandering, Florida Congressional Maps
April 29, 2026
Florida Rep. Angie Nixon protested the vote of a new gerrymandered map in Florida that would potentially give Republicans additional…
IShowSpeed, IShowSpeed Caribbean, IShowSpeed Dominica, IShowSpeed Tourism
April 29, 2026
After a devastating flood hit the island, IShowSpeed announced he would donate revenue from his stream to those affected.
Ms. Juicy, Ms. Juicy Little Women Atlanta, Ms. Juicy Arrested
April 28, 2026
Ms. Juicy, one of the stars of the beloved Lifetime reality series 'Little Women: Atlanta' was arrested in Georgia earlier…