Jay-Z's Roc Nation Protege Whips Her Debut Release Date

Roc Nation's Willow Smith, daughter of Hollywood movie stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, has announced plans to drop her long-awaited solo album in spring 2012.

If all goes accordingly, Smith expects her LP to hit store shelves in early April.

2012 is Willow Smith's year. The 11-year-old superstar has set a spring release date for her much-anticipated debut. During her appearance on "106 & Park," Willow announced that her album will arrive on April 3, 2012. The oft-delayed project, due on Roc Nation, has spawned the singles "Whip My Hair," "21st Century Girl," and "Fireball" featuring Nicki Minaj. A video for the latter will debut next week on "106 & Park." (Rap-Up)

In early November, Young Money's Nicki Minaj revealed being on-set for her and Smith's "Fireball" music video.

"Video Shoot," she tweeted Saturday (November 6).

"I'm the Fire Ball of the party. Pauz http://lockerz.com/s/153719101"

"The entire Smith family >>>>>>>>"

"I'm the newest member of the family! Lmaoooooo. How cute are they barbz???? Willow goin ham in the video.http://lockerz.com/s/153728773" (Nicki Minaj's Twitter)

Last year, Roc Nation boss/rapperl Jay-Z claimed Smith's "Whip My Hair" earned her a spot on his roster.

"First off, I heard the ['Whip My Hair'] record first, before I knew that it was recorded by a nine year-old," Jay said in an interview with radio host Ryan Seacrest. "I was like, 'Man, that record is a smash.' -- I went to Japan to do some stuff and they were out there and I met Willow and she walked in and the first thing she said was, 'I'm really nervous,' and I thought that maturity, explaining exactly how she was feeling as she was walking in the room, I knew right there she was a star. I believe in super stars and I believe in big records on super stars...Yes, [I signed her and we plan on helping her] facilitate all her ideas. As you're going to learn today, if you sit with her for a half hour, you'll see, she's just a wealth of information and ideas...She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson]was as a kid." (Ryan Seacrest)

Although signed to Jay's Roc Nation, Willow's deal reportedly involves her Hollywood actor father.

Willow Smith knows her place -- she's a daughter/employee of Will Smith. TMZ has obtained documents filed by Roc Nation, Willow's record label owned by Jay-Z. According to the docs, Roc Nation entered into a recording agreement with Spooky Girl, Inc. "for exclusive recording and entertainment services of Willow Smith." Spooky Girl is Willow's company -- sort of. You see, the Prez of Spooky Girl is Will, and Willow is listed as an "employee." And it gets more interesting, because Jada Pinkett Smith is listed as Willow's guardian. Will can't list himself as a parent or guardian because it conflicts with his duties as president of Spooky Girl. So legally speaking, Jada protects Willow from Will! (TMZ)