🔗 Share this article

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

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

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

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

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.