🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. The Powerful Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success. However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “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, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Christmas Spirit Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.