Matthew Urango, known as Cola Boyy, was an American musician and disability activist who blended disco, pop, and funk to create a unique sound while advocating for disability rights and his community. After launching his professional music career, Cola Boyy debuted his single ‘Penny Girl’ in July 2018, quickly following with ‘Buggy Tip’ in August 2018. His career took a significant leap with the release of his debut EP, ‘Black Boogie Neon,’ in September 2018. This critically acclaimed EP was conceptualized as a vibrant soundtrack for a fictional club designed for disabled individuals, powerfully embodying his core message of inclusivity and self-acceptance through its disco, soul, kraut, and pop influences.
Building on this momentum, Cola Boyy collaborated with Grammy-nominated band MGMT in 2021 on the compelling single ‘Kid Born in Space.’ This particular track served as an artistic reflection on experiences from the perspective of a disabled individual, intrinsically linking his music with his concurrent commitment as a dedicated disability rights activist. His work consistently advocated for his community, weaving themes of representation and empowerment into his creative output. In June 2021, Cola Boyy unveiled his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Prosthetic Boombox.’ The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, receiving positive reviews from esteemed publications such as Paste and The Guardian, which solidified his unique artistic vision and presence in the music world. Cola Boyys impactful contributions to music and advocacy continued to resonate.
Following his passing in March 2024, his final album, ‘Quit to Play Chess,’ was posthumously released on May 23, 2025. This culminating work stands as a poignant testament to his innovative musical spirit and enduring legacy, continuing to inspire and champion his distinctive artistic voice and message of inclusivity for future generations.