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master class
December 24, 2015

#BestBlackAlbumCovers Has Lots to Teach Us About Style

By Ashley Weatherford and Allison P. Davis

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What’s the best black album cover of all time? That’s the question Robert Jones Jr., a.k.a. @sonofbaldwin, posed on Twitter yesterday with the now-viral hashtag #bestblackalbumcovers. Is it Teddy Pendergrass wearing the trifecta of loin throbs: fur, gold, and facial hair? Is it Donna Summer with a ball gown and boots? Is it Sade and her perfect lipstick?

Maybe it’s Janet Jackson’s Control?

#BestBlackAlbumCovers CONTROL by Janet Jackson pic.twitter.com/7pKPFVOF0y

— Son of Baldwin (@SonofBaldwin) December 24, 2015

Or maybe D’Angelo’s thirst-trap-ideal cover for Voodoo?

@SonofBaldwin #BestBlackAlbumCovers @TheDangelo - Voodoo pic.twitter.com/NQizhtsYZi

— Heavenly (@hvnlygaines99) December 23, 2015

What’s not up for debate are the style and beauty lessons that each cover offers. Click through our slideshow for clothing, makeup, and hair inspiration from the best black album covers.

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1 / 13 Photos
Janet Jackson, Janet, 1993 Tip: Who needs a shirt if the curls look good?
Grace Jones, Island Life, 1985 Tip: When you go to the gym, remind everyone how beautiful your skin and muscular form is by oiling up and wearin... Grace Jones, Island Life, 1985 Tip: When you go to the gym, remind everyone how beautiful your skin and muscular form is by oiling up and wearing very little.
Sade, The Ultimate Collection, 2011 Tip: Wear whatever lipstick color Sade is wearing here. (Please, someone find me this shade of lipstick.)
Rick James, Street Songs, 1981 Tip: Always say yes to thigh-high red leather boots. Always.
Whitney Houston, Whitney Houston, 1985 Tip: Use just a little bit of highlighter on your cheekbones and you'll look like you're standing in a fl... Whitney Houston, Whitney Houston, 1985 Tip: Use just a little bit of highlighter on your cheekbones and you'll look like you're standing in a flower-strewn garden, radiating light.
Prince, LoveSexy, 1988 Tio: Always elevate, even when you're lounging at home in the nude.
Ohio Players, Honey, 1975 Tip: Use honey on your skin. No, really! It's both moisturizing and a natural anti-microbial, so good for acne. Also, ... Ohio Players, Honey, 1975 Tip: Use honey on your skin. No, really! It's both moisturizing and a natural anti-microbial, so good for acne. Also, look how sexy it is when you drip it on your tongue.
Donna Summer, I Feel Love, 1977 Tip: The bigger the hair, the bigger the hoops. Some people think big hoops require a simple, pulled-back hairdo... Donna Summer, I Feel Love, 1977 Tip: The bigger the hair, the bigger the hoops. Some people think big hoops require a simple, pulled-back hairdo. But does it look like Donna needs to pull her hair back?
Teddy Pendergrass, Duets-Love & Soul, 2015 Tip: Honey-colored fur, flashy gold accessories. Commit to winter like you may never see snow aga... Teddy Pendergrass, Duets-Love & Soul, 2015 Tip: Honey-colored fur, flashy gold accessories. Commit to winter like you may never see snow again. (Because honestly, we might not.)
Queen Latifah, All Hail the Queen, 1989 Tip: Incorporate military elements into your sweet-ass outfit to remind everyone who is in charge. (The ... Queen Latifah, All Hail the Queen, 1989 Tip: Incorporate military elements into your sweet-ass outfit to remind everyone who is in charge. (The answer, pretty much always, is Queen Latifah.)
Outkast, ATLiens, 1996 Bold colors, a varsity jacket, a head wrap — and is André 3000 in a caftan? Eternally on point. Tip: Wear a c... Outkast, ATLiens, 1996 Bold colors, a varsity jacket, a head wrap — and is André 3000 in a caftan? Eternally on point. Tip: Wear a caftan.
Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass Tip: You don't need to stoop to athleisure for lounging when a sharp suit and an open shi... Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass Tip: You don't need to stoop to athleisure for lounging when a sharp suit and an open shirt looks so good. Take it from the trifecta.
TLC, CrazySexyCool, 1994 Is there any '90s style more stealable than TLC's? Tip No. 1: Bring back the silk PJs and brown lipstick from the "... TLC, CrazySexyCool, 1994 Is there any '90s style more stealable than TLC's? Tip No. 1: Bring back the silk PJs and brown lipstick from the "Creep" video. Tip 2: If possible, always be bathed in red light.  
1 / 13

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  • janet jackson
  • outkast
  • teddy pendergrass
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