Only a hip-hop moron would say Makaveli isn't an all time great album. And that's arguably Pacs best album
Undeniable classic album. But is it up there with Paid in Full, Criminal Minded, It Takes..., The Chronic, Doggystyle, Illmatic or the Infamous? No.

I wouldn't say all that man. Pac has 2 GOAT contender albums in 7DT and All Eyez On Me.
To me Pac's greatest strength, outside of charisma and the ability to emote and connect with his audience, was dropping three classics in a row, in less than two years. While he was in prison for a good portion of the time. None of the albums alone is a GOAT contender, but that run is up there with anyone.
Trust me. I'm from the Bay. I was 15-16 in 96. When Makaveli dropped, people were initially disappointed and went right back to AEOM. Which dominated CA for 96-97.