Assata Renay grew up immersed in New Orleans music from both sides of her family. Her late grandfather was a blues guitarist who performed on Bourbon Street, and her parents — Q93's Uptown Angela and DJ Ro — built careers in New Orleans radio, giving Renay early access to the city's performers and stages. She describes her own style as soulful, inspirational rhythm & blues: uplifting, family-friendly, and rooted firmly in old-school R&B.
In 2019, Renay made her national television debut on ABC's American Idol, advancing through five rounds — including the notoriously grueling Hollywood Week — before finishing as a Top 40 finalist in Hawaii. She has since expanded into theater, starring as Rachel Marron in Anthony Bean Theatre's 2023 production of The Bodyguard, a role made famous by Whitney Houston, while continuing to write and release original music, including her single “X-Factor” featuring Big Choo.
