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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For 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 hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.