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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

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

Final Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.