R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances 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 Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.