Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole new album 2016 release date: Cole taking on the reins to launch collaboration?

Is the Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole new album release date finally seeing light? Fans of hip-hop's two biggest names would like to believe so. However, the tight schedules of the two artists could be taking a toll on their much-anticipated collaboration.

Individually, Lamar and Cole have made hit after hit, with both climbing to the top of the hip-hop charts every time they release a single and an album. So when news broke out in 2011 that the two artists were collaborating on an album, the public has watched their every move.

The Australian Network News has reported that the artists are neck-deep with their respective projects. It said that Cole is currently preparing for a June 18 concert that's happening in Johannesburg, South Africa's Ticketpro Dome while Lamar has been working on various projects, including Beyonce's "Lemonade" and Mister F.A.B's "Survive."

Exclaim likewise shared that Lamar has been working on Skiiiwalker's latest music video for the song "Could it Be." He is said to be working with Top Dawg Entertainment president Dave Free and PANAMÆRA for the project.

According to The Bitbag, Beatmaker Cardo had sent some files to Cole, which could indicate that the rapper is working on something. It reported that the J.Cole World fansite shared a video where Cole could be seen working in a studio; whether it is a new album cannot be confirmed as of yet.

The publication noted that Cole is the type of artist who would take up the initiative to start a huge project, such as the purported joint album, as Lamar has other things on his plate.

Back in April, Lamar was sued for allegedly copying the music from Bill Withers' 1975 song titled "Don't You Want to Stay" and using it for his 2009 song "I Do This" without permission. Reuters reported that Golden Withers Music and Musidex Music filed the lawsuit in a Los Angeles federal court.

Lamar was said to have committed copyright infringement after adding his own lyrics to a "direct and complete copy" of Withers' music. The lawsuit is bent on putting a stop to the alleged infringement and is seeking unspecified damages.

At any rate, although the Lamar and Cole album collaboration has been beset by one too many setbacks, fans are still hoping it will be released soon, perhaps before 2016 ends.