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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

U.S. Naval Academy, Kyle Philbert James,
October 13, 2025
Kyle Philbert James' remains were found near the Academy and officials say his death is currently under investigation.
thegrio, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, The View
October 13, 2025
Kamala Harris reveals she called Joe Biden Sunday about his cancer update and offered prayers for the former POTUS.
Questlove, SNL musical performances, Questlove SNL documentary, SNL music documentary, Questlove music documentary, theGrio.com
October 13, 2025
The documentary about the legendary band is the first since 2001’s Shining Stars: The Official Story of Earth, Wind &…
Meagan Good, Jonathan Majors, Tamron Hall, theGrio.com
October 13, 2025
During his appearance on Kirk Franklin's 'Den of Kings' podcast, Jonathan Majors revealed his thoughts about suicidal ideation.
Mo'Nique, Mo'Nique Tyler Perry, What happened between m'onique and tyler perry, Tyler perry angie stone eulogy, theGrio.com
October 12, 2025
Mo'Nique is ensuring the next generation focuses on health, not weight loss with her brand new health journey, 'Mo'Nique's Movement'.
D.C. Lottery winner
October 11, 2025
A 70-year-old Howard University graduate made sure her history lottery win would be remembered in style with a one-of-a-kind outfit.
Meagan Good, DeVon Franklin, Jonathan Majors, Black celebrity relationships, Black celebrity divorces, Black celebrity breakups, theGrio.com
October 11, 2025
DeVon Franklin admits he needed to heal after his divorced from actress Meagan Good, admitting he lived in a Hollywood…
Barack Obama
October 11, 2025
Ms. Rachel, the famed early learning content creator, has strong words for Barack Obama after reading the President's statement on…
A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces
October 11, 2025
A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces capped a historic midseason turnaround with their third WNBA title on Friday night.
Darius McCray red carpet
October 11, 2025
Darius McCrary was arrested near the U.S.-Mexico Border on Oct. 5 due to an outstanding warrant in Michigan for failure…
Bad Bunny, Bad Bunny Super Bowl, Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime theGrio.com
October 10, 2025
Turning Point USA confirmed on Thursday (Oct. 9) it would hold a protest event during Super Bowl LX dubbed "The…