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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

Sade, Sade Billboard R&B Chart, Sade Best of Sade, Sade Billboard Jazz Chart
February 10, 2026
More than 30 years after its debut, 'The Best of Sade' becomes the band's first album to hit top 10…
Jill Zarin, Bad Bunny, Jill Zarin Bad Bunny, Jill Zarin Real Housewives of New York, Jill Zarin Fired, Bad Bunny Halftime
February 10, 2026
Former 'RHONY' star Jill Zarin won't be taking part in a reboot of the series after racist remarks she made…
Kid Rock Jay-Z, Kid Rock DEI Play, Kid Rock Jay-Z Super Bowl, Kid Rock Fox News
February 10, 2026
Kid Rock says he has respect for Jay-Z, but quickly called the hip-hop mogul's involvement with the Super Bowl halftime…
Glorilla, Glorilla Sister, Glorilla Addresses Sister, Glorilla Sarface
February 9, 2026
GloRilla took to Facebook Live to clear the air regarding her sister and allegations the Grammy nominee abandoned their family.
Cardi B Stefon Diggs Instagram, Cardi B Stefon Diggs Unfollow, Stefon Diggs Super Bowl, Cardi B Super Bowl
February 9, 2026
Are Cardi B and Stefon Diggs calling it quits? Fans immediately noted the two no longer follow each other on…
Keith Lee, Keith Lee Familee Day, Keith Lee food festival, keith lee festival
February 9, 2026
Keith Lee is bringing food, fun and performances from Kirk Franklin, Mannie Fresh and more to his first-ever Familee Day…
James Pearce Jr., James Pearce Jr. Arrested, James, Rickea Jackson, Rickea Jackson Police Report
February 9, 2026
Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. is maintaining his innocence after a widely publicizied arrest on Saturday involving his ex-girlfriend.
Serena Williams, Serena Williams Tennis, Serena Williams Comeback
February 9, 2026
Serena Williams has been reinstated by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, but still no word if she's officially back playing…
Michelle Obama Tina Knowles, Michelle Obama, Tina Knowles, Becoming Netflix,
February 7, 2026
Tina Knowles took time out on social media to once again praise longtime friend Michelle Obama following a racist video…
Kid Rock Kobe Bryant, Kid Rock Turning Point USA, Kid Rock Festival, Kid Rock, Kid Rock TPUSA
February 7, 2026
Kid Rock is gearing up to headline Turning Point USA's upcoming halftime show and used a particular quote from Kobe…
Deion Sanders Karreuche, Deion Sanders Karreuche Tran Dating, Karreuche Tran, Deion Sanders Relationships
February 7, 2026
Deion Sanders is keeping it real about his love for Karreuche Tran, using time during the Super Bowl to tell…
Donald Trump, Donald Trump Racist Obama Meme, Donald Trump Racist Video, Donald Trump Barack Obama, Donald Trump Michelle Obama
February 7, 2026
President Donald Trump refused to apologize Friday for posting a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
Quinton Aaron, Quinton Aaron Spiritual Wife, Quinton Aaron Update, Quinton Aaron Spinal Stroke
February 6, 2026
Quinton Aaron, 'The Blind Side' actor, is recovering from a spinal stroke and the woman who claims is his wife,…
Donald Trump C-Span, Donald Trump Obamas, Donald Trump Racist Social Media Post
February 6, 2026
A Republican called into C-SPAN, apologizing for his backing of Trump after the President shared a racist meme of the…
Jail Cell, Syracuse, Cheree Boyd, Cheree Boyd Settlement, Onondaga County
February 6, 2026
Onondaga County in New York has settled a lawsuit with a woman who gave birth to a premature newborn in…
DJ Young Slade Lil Jon, Lil Jon DJ Young Slade, DJ Young Slade Found Dead, Lil Jon Son
February 6, 2026
Lil Jon has shared a statement following confirmation that his son, Nathan Smith, aka DJ Young Slade, has died.
Halle Berry, Van Hunt, Halle Berry Engaged, Halle Berry Engagement, Halle Berry Van Hunt Engagement
February 6, 2026
Congrats to Halle Berry and Van Hunt! The Academy Award-winning actress confirmed she and the musician are engaged to be…
Maia Campbell, Maia Campbell Sobriety, Maia Campbell In The House, Maia Campbell 85 South Show
February 4, 2026
Maia Campbell says its a daily process but she is thriving. The actress stopped by the "85 South Show" to…
Floyd Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather Showtime Lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather Showtime Sports
February 4, 2026
Floyd Mayweather is counting the books and believes he's owed millions. The longtime boxer is suing Showtime for $340 million.
Uncle Nearest, Black-owned brands, theGrio.com
February 4, 2026
A court-appointed receiver for embattled whiskey brand Uncle Nearest suggests the company would foreclose if he was removed from his…