🔗 Share this article

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, 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 profoundly emotional performance. “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 crowd'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 strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout 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 embraced the Christmas mood with performances 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.

Overall Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.