🔗 Share this article R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists. Toni Braxton's Moving Set The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame. Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer 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 anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Overall Thoughts While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.