12 Artists Who Proved R&B Music Is Alive And Well In 2014

You want the groove? You can't HANDLE the groove.

1. Hiatus Kaiyote

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Their feel: "Multi-Dimensional, Polyrhythmic Gangster Shit," as described on their site.

Why they won in 2014: Their album Choose Your Weapon drops in March 2015. But until then, their EPBy Fire here will definitely blow you away.

2. Jhene Aiko

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Her feel: Catchy, poetic songwriting and a calming voice, makes it the best stuff to cry or smoke to.

Why she won 2014: Her album Souled Out, and her collaborations with Drake on Nothing Was the Same.

3. Iman Omari

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His feel: The trippiest soul music with the warmth of a wool sweater.

Why he won 2014: The Samadhi EP he dropped this year was the latest addition to his discography.

4. Daniel Caesar

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His feel: James Blake-ish ringing falsetto over sometimes sparse, always stirring chords.

Why he won in 2014: His EP Praise Break.

5. Tinashe

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Her feel: The multi-talented diva makes the sexiest turn-up music you'll ever encounter with a refreshingly honest and beautifully melodic vocal.

Why she won 2014: Two words: 2 On.

6. Nick Hakim

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His feel: A classic retro soul feel with layered D'angelo-esque vocals.

Why he won in 2014: He released Where Will We Go Parts 1 & 2 in July and August of 2014, and left everyone swooning.

7. SZA

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Her feel: Either she's a siren amongst a spacey, soulful soundscape, or she's singing a spunky hook for one of her label mates' rap songs on Top Dawg Entertainment.

Why she won 2014: The EP she released in July 2014 entitled Z.

8. Kwabs

Via Facebook: KwabsOfficial

His feel: Upbeat pop-soul, like Aloe Blacc's cooler, more worldly little brother.

Why he won in 2014: The title track of his EP Walk certainly made waves.

9. Banks

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Her feel: Like Sia performing in an underwater vault. A liquid sound massage.

Why she won 2014: After opening for The Weeknd last year, her anticipated and self-assured debut album Goddess came out in September.

10. Daniel Wilson

Via Facebook: danielwilsonzz

His feel: A soulful, retro falsetto atop entrancing and minimalist synth production.

Why he won 2014: "Heartbreaker", and "The Boy Who Cried Thunder."

11. Flying Lotus

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His feel: The most beautiful chaos.

Why he won 2014: The song "Never Catch Me" featuring Kendrick Lamar off his latest album You're Dead! and the video directed by Hiro Murai.

12. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

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Her Feel: Straight, no chaser.

Why she won 2014: After beating cancer, she dropped her album Give the People What They Want in January.