R&B stand for Rhythm and Blues and has been around since the 1940s. African Americans are known for dominating the R&B music industry since then. Since the 1940s, R&B has been appropriated into other genres such as country and rock music. But the genre is able to stay relevant because some of the artists in the music industry have dedicated their careers to keeping the genre alive especially females. The females in the R&B music industry have been killing the game and have been successful as well. Here are 14 Female R&B artist you need to know about.

1. Tamar Braxton

Tamar is a Grammy Nominated recording artist who is the younger sister of legend Toni Braxton. Tamar currently stars on two reality shows and is a co-host on the daytime tv show, "The Real." She released her newest album "Calling all Lovers" in October of 2015. Link to the Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhArJbjf2uw

2. K. Michelle

K. Michelle got her start on the reality show, "Love & Hip Hop." And, in an instant esh gained many fans for her powerful voice and sultry music. Link to the Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZf-Zft85Xs

3. Fantasia

After Winning "The American Idol," Fantasia went from a normal girl from North Carolina to a Grammy-winning recording artist. Although she has had some bad attention in the media, it hasn't stopped her from making new and relatable music. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeANVMbkxxY

4. Candice Glover

Candice also won American Idol and has an amazing career ahead of her. Her single "Cried" actually made it to the number two on the iTunes R&B music charts as well. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0MtQuarr3s

5. Bridget Kelly

Bridget Kelly was actually discovered by Jay Z and has released two albums that have done really well in the past. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUse1GFKf3o

6. Andra Day

Andra Day was actually discovered by Stevie Wonder. With her eclectic old school sound, Andra has performed for Ellen Degeneres and has been nominated for a grammy. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmHfo_3EGFA

7. Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan has been nominated for nine Grammys in the past. The singer took a break from music in 2011, but then came back guns blazing with a new album, "Reality Show" in 2015. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EATQP3_fFg

8. Monica

Monica has actually been in the music industry for over 20 years. She released her first album at the age of 11 and has been successful since then. She has now released a new album called "Code Red." Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsAm32tesvg

9. Justine Skye

Justine Skye is actually new to the R&B game. Releasing just two albums, the Brooklyn native has a great career ahead of her. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=EAAHCWFdtEU

10. Elle Varner

Elle Varner is also new to the R&B game and is from New Orleans. The Grammy Nominated Singer is releasing her new album soon. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJIbNepRCS8

11. Brandy

Brandy is basically a triple threat; she is an actress, singer and a mom to her daughter. Brandy has been in the public eye for over 10 years and is still releasing music and acting today. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH0EBPiJdzE

12. Marsha Ambrosius

Marsha Ambrosius is actually from Liverpool England and has also been nominated for some Grammies. Marsha has actually written for, Jazmine Sullivan, Alicia Keys and MICHAEL JACKSON. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwLMC2wP0g

13. Kelly Rowland

Unless you've been under the rock when the girl groups ruled the music industry, Kelly Rowland was a part of the girl band Destiny's Child alongside Michelle Williams and Beyonce. Since then, Kelly has released numerous albums and has also done some acting. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuFUR6ZH5Zg

14. Sevyn Streeter

Sevyn Streeter has recently started her solo career and is making a huge success. Before she started her solo career, she wrote and is still writing for Ariana Grande, Tamar Braxton and Chris Brown. Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFyqP3enn0