Kenny Smith's Daughter -- R&B Career Exploding ... In Talks with Rich Gang

Kenny "The Jet" Smith's daughter Kayla Brianna is blowin' up in the hip-hop world ... 'cause TMZ Sports has learned the 21-year-old singer is in talks to sign with Birdman's Rich Gang label.

The "Inside the NBA" star has been RAVING about Kayla's singing talents for years -- and all sorts of big stars have taken notice, including Meek Mill who featured her on his track "I Got That."

Now, we've learned ... Kayla has been talking with Birdman for the past couple of months -- and sources connected to both sides tell us they're close on a deal.

We reached out to Kayla about the situation -- and while she wouldn't get into details, she said her father is just as pumped as she is.