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The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece 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 embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.