🔗 Share this article

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.