Ester Dean is responsible for penning some of pop’s biggest hits in the last year, and now she’s forging ahead with her career as a recording artist. The hitmaker has inked a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

Dean, whose writing credits include Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” Katy Perry’s “Firework,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” kicked off the new year by announcing her addition to the Roc roster, which includes Rihanna, J. Cole, and Willow Smith.

“I’m so Grateful 4 my Team Past and Present! Bringing in the New Year with my new Team @RocNation 2012,” tweeted the Oklahoma native.

In 2009, the singer-songwriter scored a hit of her own with her Chris Brown-assisted single “Drop It Low.” Her debut album is due later this year on Interscope Records.

2012 is shaping up to be another big year for Dean, who will also star in the comedy Pitch Perfect and lend her voice to the animated film Ice Age: Continental Drift.