I enjoy these discussions because those who were in real time can really tell their view on how things happened,
Blacks back then supported the rappers, we would buy their CDs, go to their concerts, you would see us in their merch, posters on the walls of one's room. Back then Black folks were heavy into Hip Hop, your 5-30 year old, it was the center of many things that happened in Black society from your college parties, house parties, family reunions, those elements.
2pac received a lot of love from his peers, again that 'older' generation wasn't so much on his coattail as much.
Like in 2022 you have some 35 year olds - 45 old black men and women still bump your average rapper per say or R&B singer, back then in the 90s, those folks in that age range really didn't bump the rap music like that per say, You had some still that did, but many didn't compared to today's 35 year old - 45 year old.
You may have a 35 year old or 40 year old checking out the Migos latest album or they may listen to a Lil Baby album when it comes out, back in 95 or early you wouldn't so much have a 40 year old going to the store to buy a 2pac album, those folks were different back then, now they would listen to the singles on the radio etc, but I didn't see a lot of 37 year olds, 40 year old running to the store to pick up the latest 2pac album.
Only exception I may say is when he got out of prison and drop AEOM, California Love was everywhere in the summer of 96. I'm talking Everywhere.