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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Powerful Set

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

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances 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.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.