🔗 Share this article

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated 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 vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included 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 Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening embraced 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.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.