🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Starting Performances: Classic Vibes Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success. Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly. Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Impressions While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.