🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B. Opening Acts: Classic Feelings The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success. However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Christmas Cheer Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.