🔗 Share this article

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored 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 began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale 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 hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.