🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Starting Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. The Powerful Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame. Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional 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 grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Spirit Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.