death of a salesman

Why does it take for someone to die to get credit? Post-Dilla he is the best ever, before only true heads thought such. Pac and BIG both got to GOD status once they died. They thought of as 'best' to some, but were placed above all after their passings. I just don't get it. I don't know about you but I don't think Pimp C will be put up with these 2 since his death.