🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts. The Moving Set The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas 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. Final Thoughts While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.