Cola Boyy is the project of Matthew Urango, has shared new single “Walk Again.” The song is a standout from the artist’s upcoming posthumous sophomore album Quit to Play Chess, coming out May 23rd out via Record Makers.

Cola Boyy worked on songs like “Walk again” on Quit to Play Chess right up until he passed away, approving the mastering that very day, making the release date the only posthumous thing about it. Trusted collaborators on this release include Andrew VanWyngarden, co-leader of MGMT, Jared Solomon (Remi Wolf, Lola Young, Fousheé), Nate Fox (Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne), Blasé and Lewis OfMan.

The new album was designed as capsules where hip-hop and R&B flourish (scratching, brass samples, pitched vocals, among others) merge, and enrich Cola Boyy’s sound without distorting the groovy DNA of his music. While his previous album unfolded as a radiant disco-funk manifesto.

After discovering his demos on Soundcloud, French label Record Makers signed him and released his first EP, gaining recognition with the singles “All Power to the People” and “To Be Rich Should Be a Crime” (a cover of Jeb Loy Nichols, a hidden gem of country-soul), leading him to open for MGMT on their “Little Dark Age” tour, and be invited to perform at Coachella in 2019: a novel experience for such a new act.

It was in France that Matthew found the resources that would enrich his first album: featuring Nicolas Godin (AIR), Pierre Rousseau (Paradis), Myd, and Infinite Bisous, “Prosthetic Boombox” was released in 2021. Featuring guest stars like The Avalanches and Andrew VanWyngarden on standouts “Don’t Forget Your Neighborhood” and “Kid Born In Space”, the project was praised for both its technical qualities and its message. Cola Boyy was defiantly positive: using music as a message to bring people together, shine a light on the things we all have in common instead of the things that divide us. He was the epitome of an engaged artist, a role that came with certain pressures.

Unable to return to France due to the Covid pandemic, he naturally turned to the music of his youth and collaborated with producers from his hometown in Oxnard. Less militant in spirit, this project draws more from the artist’s personal life to sharpen his commentary on the real world. The distinctly contemporary energy that flows through the album is also a testament to Matthew’s fine creative intuition throughout his life.

But beyond the tributes, the promise that Cola Boyy’s music will continue to be heard is a testament to the lasting impact of his message.

“To lose a brother, a son; there is a wide and hollow space within us that will never be filled. But there is music in that emptiness. We are lucky to still have his voice. His music is like nothing else on this earth, it came from a kid born in space. It warms our hearts knowing our Cola Boyy has so many more people to reach with his style and political convictions. “Quit to Play Chess” is a masterpiece, rocking our house and community, and if you play it loud and lose yourself you may just feel him there with you…” – Matthew’s Family

Cola Boyy
Quit to Play Chess
Record Makers

1. Blame The Beret
2. Babylon
3. Crushin’
4. Homegirl
5. Busy
6. 800MPH (feat. Wiki)
7. Heroes And Villains
8. Wave
9. Red Carpet
10. Walk Again
11. Top Of The Class
12. Calling

Pre-order Quit tP Play Chess HERE