🔗 Share this article

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable 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 concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.