Would FatPac SaltShaker still be globally revered, all things equal? Visuals play an immense part in artists image, just look how hard it was for BIG to get on whilst Pac being photogenic meant he was all over the magazines, all up in the movies, on TV shows, rapping, acting. Then he went to Death Row.
The Notorious B.M.I on the other hand looks super grimy and it feels like he would've rapped crazy hard nihilistic bars that screamed Bed Stuy Do or Die as he instigated beefs on the regular whilst keeping one foot in the streets and one in the booth. He literally looks hungry.
This folks is body language in full effect and how your presence speaks volumes way before you move your lips.