World-renown music powerhouse Cash Money Records aims to stay on top, announcing its newest artist, Cymia. At just 12 years old, the singer has earned a place among the hit-making family which already includes superstars such as Drake, Nicki Minaj and of course, Lil Wayne.

Not even having yet reached her teens, Cymia – meaning “beautiful seashell” in Portuguese — is already a triple threat, gifted at not only singing but dancing and acting as well. Her television and film appearances include Bravo’s wildly popular The Real Housewives of Atlanta and 2006’s Roadhouse 2: and Last Call. The buoyant young beauty – who’s also worked as a model and voice over artist – cites artists like Beyonce, Fergie, Taylor Swift and label mate Jay-Sean as influences and enhances her own vocal gift by training with coach James Martin, who’s also worked with Monica, Keri Hilson and Pink, among others.

On the bouncy, upbeat single “Lucky Girl,” Cymia celebrates the inner star in all her peers. Reflecting on the message of song she co-wrote, she says, “Every girl is lucky inside of her.” She describes her music as “pop, positive” and the kind “a lot of people can dance to.” She worked on the track with Cash Money’s go-to hit-makers Cool & Dre, who also helmed other songs on her forthcoming untitled debut. Guest spots from some of her famous label mates are to be expected, including Jay Sean, Bow Wow and Lil Wayne.

Cymia’s strong work ethic and drive to succeed fit the Cash Money profile and it prompted her “Uncle Slim,” also known as Cash Money CEO Ronald Williams, to sign her. Like so many untapped talents, it was Cymia’s mother, Serena, who discovered her voice. At just four years old, she knew her daughter had something special. Vocal, dance and music lessons helped hone her raw talent and soon the pursuit of a professional career in the entertainment industry was launched.

However it was a tragedy that originally brought Williams into Cymia and her family’s life. The fellow New Orleans natives had mutual friends that knew the music mogul through the entertainment business, Williams and his team graciously reached out to help them in the wake of hurricane Katrina. Serena recalls, “When our phone finally started working we received their call and they had a hotel room set up for us with food, towels and some toys for Cymia and her little brother Javier. Cymia was 6 years old and spent her 7th birthday in a warm hotel room instead of our truck. So we were and still are very appreciative of Cash Money.”

Although her hustle might rival that of those twice her age, Cymia enjoys a normal childhood in her new home of Atlanta and makes sure to squeeze in quality time with family and friends. Homeschooled, she cites Alice and Wonderland as her favorite film and declares her favorite food popsicles. A budding humanitarian; she cares deeply about other children and routinely gives to charities, including the Boys & Girls Club and various elementary schools in the Georgia area. And if that weren’t impressive enough, she’s also an author; her children’s book I Can’t Be Bullied was inspired by her own experience with the emotional issue many children face. The book to be published by literary powerhouse Simon & Schuster is due by the holidays.

Cymia’s star is quickly on the rise and definitely the next big artist to look out for in 2011.