🔗 Share this article

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.