🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists. The Powerful Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set included 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 Touch 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. Overall Thoughts While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.