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Ivan Mendoza

Ivan Mendoza, Page Editor

Ivan Mendoza is a senior at NC and has been a part of The Chant staff since 2022. Since his adolescence, he always pursued reading and writing and felt that The Chant provided the perfect outlet for him to write about whatever he wanted. From music reviews to thorough investigations to award-winning documentaries, Mendoza is not afraid to expose his thoughts and opinions on the world around him. Whenever he’s not writing for The Chant, Mendoza is either filming a video, biking or wasting his entire paycheck on amazing novels, memoirs or superb vinyls. Find him on Instagram at @ivans.interludes.  

All content by Ivan Mendoza
Former football president Luis Rubiales currently faces potential fines or jail time and has caused worldwide hysteria for his inappropriate actions toward football player Jenni Hermoso. Up until his resignation September 10, prominent leaders and courageous female players spoke out against Rubiales. Ever since the incident, Spain has experienced nationwide protests reminiscent of the #MeToo movement and growing critiques regarding the wage gap between male and female football players.

Luis Rubiales officially resigns as Spanish soccer president

Ivan Mendoza, Editor
September 17, 2023
Released August 25, 1998, Lauryn Hill’s breakout album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” became an instant classic for its catchy choruses and beautiful lyricism. As the album turns 25 years old and fans buy tickets for her upcoming anniversary tour, her only studio album continues to inspire music enjoyers across the world.

How Lauryn Hill brilliantly miseducated the world of Hip-Hop

Ivan Mendoza, Editor
August 25, 2023
In early May, “The Good Doctor” began to grow in popularity across TikTok’s massive platform. With users posting certain clips out of context, the cable television show recently turned heads for its absurdity and dramatization. The show also faced criticism for its depiction of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even though the show does an excellent job in its portrayal.

The resurging debates about “The Good Doctor”

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
May 17, 2023
Due to recent outcries regarding critical race theory (CRT) and LGBTQ+ representation, parents and schools have started to enforce rules on the books children and students can read. As a result of vague policies and misinterpretations, books with powerful writing and messaging have become inaccessible to students across America.

Banned books to read over the summer

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
May 15, 2023
Five years have passed since the initial release of “Die Lit”, and Playboi Carti has continued to evolve as an artist and his music impacts a plethora of artists such as Yeat and Ken Carson. However, “Die Lit” contains numerous infectious melodies and earworms within its runtime, and the songs can range from mellow performances to punk-inspired anthems. The album also features prominent artists such as Lil Uzi Vert and Young Nudy which helped elevate the listener’s overall experience.

Revisiting the energetic experience of Playboi Carti’s “Die Lit”

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
May 11, 2023
As polarizing activists such as Angela Davis and Queen Yonasda protest against the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, the 85-acre property continues to divide local residents and stir up controversy amongst a plethora of communities. After the brutal death of one of their own activists, the movement against Cop City will only continue to grow and people will continue to retaliate by any means necessary.

Why Atlanta needs to stop Cop City

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
April 17, 2023
Grammy-winning singer Daniel Caesar continues to shake the frame of R&B music with his soothing vocals and eloquent songwriting. After making his fans wait nearly four years for his third album, “NEVER ENOUGH” showcases Caesar at a moment of vulnerability and his artistic talents certainly improved over the years. This long-awaited endeavor features prolific artists such as Omar Apollo and Ty Dolla $ign, complimenting the otherwise mellow musician.

“NEVER ENOUGH” by Daniel Caesar remains an ethereal and smooth project

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
April 14, 2023
JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown have formed themselves into catalysts within the experimental hip-hop genre, and fans only anticipated their efforts as a collaborative duo. When this album initially released March 24, 2023, it provided a stellar project with unique production and the amazing energy that quickly solidified itself as an essential album for experimental hip-hop listeners.

JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown debut a surreal collaborative project

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
April 13, 2023
Ice Spice graced the NC Performance Arts Center (PAC) on March 31. As she performed popular songs such as “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and “Bikini Bottom,” students and teachers alike erupted the auditorium with cheers and applause. As NC attendees left the PAC, they left with a change of heart and will never forget her remarkable songwriting.

“In Ha Mood”: Ice Spice does a special guest performance on the NC stage

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
April 1, 2023
Known for his crude humor and interactions with prominent artists, Adin Ross reigned over Twitch with seven million followers and millions of dollars in revenue. However, after collaborating with the controversial figure and former kickboxer Andrew Tate, his beliefs have shifted immensely and his content continues to spiral downward.

How Adin Ross descended into madness

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
March 12, 2023
Columbian-American music artist Kali Uchis slowly solidified herself as a talented curator in the musical hemisphere. From her collaborations with prominent artists such as SZA and Tyler, The Creator to her Grammy-winning performances, Uchis has always sung with heaven-like vocals and mesmerizing choruses. With the release of her latest album, she does not disappoint her fanbase whatsoever; rather, she continues to improve her natural talents.

Kali Uchis unveils love and beauty in “Red Moon in Venus”

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
March 7, 2023
With the help of social media platforms such as TikTok to build loyal fanbases, Ice Spice and PinkPantheress continue to shock the music industry with their vibrant personalities and ability in crafting short and replayable music. As Ice Spice called out the munches of the world and as PinkPantheress curated addictive earworms, their song together certainly proved itself as a collaboration music listeners did not know they needed.

The unlikely stardom of Ice Spice and PinkPantheress

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
February 13, 2023
the unheard voices.

The Unheard Voices

February 10, 2023
Florida governor Ronald Dion DeSantis transformed into a spectacle within the political hemisphere for his aggressive fight against a woke agenda and left-leaning ideologies. But over time, his words and actions have added extra setbacks for several POCs and minorities in Florida and America. From his anti-abortion campaigns to the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill to abusive power toward undocumented Americans, DeSantis only rises in popularity alongside his fractured mindset.

The fractured politics of Ron DeSantis

Zioni Moore and Ivan Mendoza
February 10, 2023
Lil Yachty released “Let’s Start Here.” on January 27, a mesmerizing album layered with hypnotic vocal performances and lush instrumentation. For years, people would only view Yachty as a rapper who mumbled and as an artist that prioritized melodies over lyrics. However, he recently broke the mold with this new project where he takes heavy influence from Pink Floyd but fuses his own charisma and artistry into the mix.

Lil Yachty redefines himself with “Let’s Start Here.”

Ivan Mendoza, Entertainment Editor
February 1, 2023
The genre of hip-hop remains a powerful force in the music industry. Hip-hop stemmed from turntables and mixings of different genres, and it slowly transformed into a vessel where Black Americans can vocalize their issues of social injustice. However, as the genre rose in popularity and as it dispersed into various subgenres, Americans grew to view their words as violent and autobiographical. Now, rappers on trial face critical conditions as prosecutors present their fictional lyrics to jurors.

How America constantly prosecutes rap

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
December 8, 2022
“Atlanta” aired its final episode on November 10, 2022, marking an end to one of the greatest shows on television. Donald Glover created a series that blended surrealism with emotional value; with the help of creative minds such as Hiro Murai and Stephen Glover, they told a unique story that depicts success in the rap industry and America as a whole.

The brilliance of “Atlanta”

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
November 17, 2022
“Her Loss” marks the first collaborative album between the two artists Drake and 21 Savage; it acts as an hour-long rollercoaster with its ups and downs. From their unmatched chemistry to their memorable lyrics, in addition to superb features from Travis Scott and Lil Yatchy, this recent addition to their discographies offers great music for returning fans and new listeners.

Drake and 21 Savage curate an eclectic experience with “Her Loss”

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
November 16, 2022
Kanye “Ye” West always made headlines for his achievements and controversies, but he recently shattered his public image with his hostile comments about the Jewish community. As his statements reach antisemitic hate groups and cause public outrage, the topic of Ye becomes complex once people recognize his bipolar disorder as a factor in his actions.

The exploitation of Kanye “Ye” West

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
November 3, 2022
Released October 22, 2012, Kendrick Lamar’s concept album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” remains a potent experience where the renowned artist reveals his upbringing in a climate of gang violence and police brutality. With features from artists such as Drake, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige, the listener follows Lamar’s journey in Compton, a city that he adores but resents simultaneously.

Revisiting the m.A.A.d city of Kendrick Lamar

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
October 22, 2022
Working with artists such as A$AP Rocky, Mac Demarco and Earl Sweatshirt, Jean Dawson made a name for himself in the underground music landscape. His ability to blend genres and unique instrumentation catches the attention of multiple indie rock fans. After a two-year wait for his previous album, CHAOS NOW*, an album full of audible landscapes and interesting experimentation, finally released October 7, 2022.

Exploring the chaos in Jean Dawson’s new album

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
October 11, 2022
For years Dan Schneider curated several television shows that would resonate with several childhoods. However, the curtain behind the scenes seemingly revealed itself and now Schneider faces severe backlash for his heinous actions. As the renowned producer went on to create beloved shows such as “iCarly” and “Zoey 101”, he abused his power over writers and child actors in both verbal and sexual ways.

The Perversion of Dan Schneider

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
October 6, 2022
Before airing its first episode August 25, the Hulu-original “Mike” faced severe backlash from the man who inspired its creation. Mike Tyson went on social media to complain about the new biopic series, as he received no compensation from producers or involvement in the show. However, the show portrays Tyson’s story in a creative way through its use of editing and direction.

Mike: A flawed yet cohesive portrayal of Mike Tyson’s story

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
October 5, 2022
Throughout the year, GOP governors such as Greg Abbott and Doug Ducey transported migrants from Republican states to predominantly Democratic states. Republican governors view this as a political tactic that will push the Biden administration to enact stronger policies on the U.S. border. However, this action recently was blown out of proportion when Florida governor Ron Desantis transported migrants via privately chartered planes and provided them with numerous examples of misinformation. “It makes me feel sick. The way they are using migrants, people that are trying to start a different life, for political gain is just disgusting. These are people, not objects,” junior Simri Martinez said.

Undocumented Migrants from Venezuela deceived by GOP governor

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
October 4, 2022
Female Leaders of Tomorrow (FLT) becomes the latest addition to NC’s extensive roster of clubs. Several members look forward to the future of FLT, as the club offers opportunities for career pathways and volunteer work in support of female-oriented organizations. “This club feels like a safe space to talk about personal experiences as well as a great place to learn a lot about female leadership and life skills,” junior Amsha Shastrula said.

Female Leaders of Tomorrow embrace empowerment

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
September 23, 2022
Former kickboxer Andrew Tate took the Internet by storm in 2022, and for all the wrong reasons. As the demand for de-platforming Tate from social media grew due to his comments of misogyny, homophobia, and violence, his followers continued to increase in numbers. Before getting his social media accounts deleted, Tate accumulated 4.6 million followers on Instagram and his videos on TikTok garnered millions of views.

Andrew Tate and his rise from toxic masculinity

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
September 2, 2022
JID’s long-awaited sequel to his critically acclaimed debut album was finally released on August 26, 2022, and hip-hop fans view “The Forever Story” as the best to come out this year. This album shows growth for JID in multiple aspects, as not only does his rapping ability and wordplay improve, but his singing abilities reach new heights and his capability to craft an album surely progresses over the years.

JID continues his story with new album

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
September 2, 2022
Currently, the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Jennette McCurdy’s debut memoir was released on August 9, 2022, and critics view it as the best to come out this year. Her book sheds necessary light on a variety of topics such as eating disorders and misconduct within the acting industry. Readers around the world praise McCurdy for writing in a meticulous way that blends both elements of humor and sadness.

The honesty of Jennette McCurdy

Ivan Mendoza, Reporter
August 24, 2022
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