I live in the south and know many people who are Roots fans but aren't trying to spend hundreds of dollars (air fare, hotel, ticket, etc) for a show. But we will buy a DVD or comp of the best moments from these shows.

As far as OKP not being supportive of the Roots, I think those days ended when admins started letting just anything go in The Lesson, as far as topics and tone. It created an atmosphere that was almost hostile to the kind of aesthetic the Roots represent.

Also, rap fans tend not to be loyal to anyone but whoever is hot at the moment. That, combined with the Roots changing their style so often, may be why the Roots get a new core audience every few years.