Flavorwire

From M.I.A.’s burqa to Kanye’s giant necklace, when it came to the boldest fashion statements of 2010, hip-hop artists helped lead the sartorial charge. Which is nothing new, really. Need proof? After the jump we’ve rounded up some of the most stylish hip-hop album covers from the ’80s. Click through, and if you know what’s good for your wardrobe, be sure to take notes.

Kurtis Blow – Deuce (1981)

Standing in front of a movie theater with your name and album title above the door is bad ass. To say nothing of the black and red leather outfit — a year before Michael Jackson would rock a similar style in the videos for “Beat It” and “Thriller.” Plus there’s a poster of the Bruce Lee flick Fist of Fury in the background, which is never a bad move.