Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning 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 anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “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 command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.