R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas 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.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.