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The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted 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 never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.