🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Vibes Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame. However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band. Their performance 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 Dash of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show 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 evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.