Shapiro, p. 327. Shapiro has Raising Hell as the first platinum hip hop album, while Dennis and Coleman ascribe that distinction to King of Rock. RIAA's certification dates [1][2] (retrieved on July 4, 2008) bear out Shapiro's statement. Though King of Rock may be the earliest release to receive platinum status, it did so after Raising Hell did.
robertchristgau.com
Christgau, Robert. Consumer Guide, Village Voice, 1984. Retrieved on July 2, 2008.
Christgau, Robert. Consumer Guide, Village Voice, 1990. Retrieved on July 2, 2008.