R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Vibes

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

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.