JAY-Z and Beyoncé have caused quite a stir on social media after taking a picture in front of a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a Black artist from Brooklyn who rose to fame in the 1980s. According to HITC, the photo is a part of a new campaign for Tiffany & Co. But social media users wondered if the late artist would have found the photoshoot disrespectful.

The critics described Basquiat as a anti-capitalist who would have scoffed at the idea of two billionaires posing in front of his art to sell diamonds.

Some wanted the couple to move out of the way and allow people to enjoy the art.

There were also several fans who came to defend JAY-Z and Beyoncé.

Some Twitter users said the couple actually understand and admire the history of Basquiat.

As some people noted, JAY-Z makes a reference to the artist in his song, "Picasso Baby."

"I'm the new Jean-Michel," JAY-Z raps in the track featured in his album, Magna Carta Holy Grail. 

The rapper also drops Basquiat's name in other parts of the song, according to U.S. News. 

Social media users also noted the couple's love of art. The pair proved their admiration for art in 2018 when they dropped the music video for “Apes**t,” which showed JAY-Z and Beyoncé flexing in front of the Mona Lisa and other stunning art work at the Louvre, according to Time.

Basquiat was born in Brooklyn in 1960, nine years before JAY-Z was born in the same city. The painter began his art career on the streets, where he gained notoriety for his graffiti work. A 1985 New York Times piece titled "New Art, New Money" told the story of Basquiat's rise to fame.

"Five years ago, he didn't have a place to live. He slept on the couch of one friend after another. He lacked money to buy art supplies," the article stated. "Now, at 24, he is making paintings that sell for $10,000 to $25,000. They are reproduced in art magazines and also as part of fashion layouts, or in photographs of chic private homes in House & Garden."

The artist was 27 years old when he died in 1988 from a drug overdose, according to HITC. 

BeyoncéJAY-ZJean-Michel BasquiatTiffany & Co.