The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage 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 earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
A tech journalist and gadget reviewer with over a decade of experience, specializing in consumer electronics and innovation trends.