Already 2012 is coming to a close and it’s time to take part in TheDrop.fm’s inaugural Best Male R&B Artist awards. The competition was steep in this category as each crooner brought their A-game to R&B this year, taking it to new heights.

Back in June, Chris Brown’s ‘Fortune’ landed at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, an album that brought the top dance hit ‘Turn Up The Music’ and a remix from former girlfriend Rihanna. The album was nominated for Best R&B Contemporary album for the 2013 Grammys. Usher also landed at the top of the Billboard chart with ‘Looking 4 Myself,’ which was a mash-up of multiple genres. His track, ‘Climax,’ produced by Diplo, peaked at No. 1 on the R&B album charts and was nominated for Best R&B Performance.

The veteran of the group, R. Kelly, released his 11th studio album, ‘Write Me Back,’ this year and had no problem securing his spot with a Grammy nom for Best R&B album. His younger Chicago counterpart BJ Chicago Kid entered the scene with his independent release ‘Pineapple Now-Laters’ in February and scored a deal later this year with Motown.

Fellow midwest artist Dwele released his sixth studio album, ‘Greater Than One,’ channeling a '70s groove expanding on his neo soul catalogue. And Robert Glasper produced the perfect mash-up of jazz, hip-hop and R&B sounds on his Grammy- nominated ‘Black Radio.’ He will be competing with R. Kelly for best R&B album.

Twenty-eight-year-old Trey Songz’s tune ‘Heart Attack’ rose to top 40 status on the Billboard Hot 100 this year, and the Virginia native scored his first No. 1 album with ‘Chapter V’ as well. He will also have the opportunity to take home a Grammy for ‘Heart Attack.’ Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo also released his fifth studio LP this year with ‘R.E.D.,’ which was led by the electronic dance single ‘Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself).'

Last but not least, R&B’s two hottest new stars made things more interesting by staying away from euro-dance tracks and borrowing more from electro-blues and catchy soulful lyrics. Miguel's sophomore album ‘Kaleidoscope Dream’ topped the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Song Album charts. His popular song 'Adorn' was nominated for Song of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.

And R&B’s it-guy Frank Ocean grabbed everyone’s attention when he opened up about his sexuality, sharing a note he originally penned for the thank you section of his album ‘Channel Orange.’ The 25-year-old leads the 2013 Grammy nominations in six categories, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year, showing this is only the beginning of a promising career for the newbie.

Who's got your vote for 2012′s Best Male R&B Artist? Vote for the singer you believe should take home TheDrop.fm’s Music Award below! Remember you can vote once per hour until the poll closes on Jan. 15, 2013, at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

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