It has been some time since the rumors of a collaboration album between Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole began to surface. However, despite the album stated to be coming out "very soon," nothing has yet been released. Dreamville Records, which J. Cole founded, has given an update regarding the album and its release.
Speaking on the Rap Radar podcast, Dreamville Records president Ibrahim Hamad stated that even back when the album was first teased, they were already aware that it was "a stretch," indicating that the album was very unlikely going to see the light of day despite the fact that the two rappers had worked together before.
"Cole is Cole and he knows what he's doing. He has his ways of getting things done and I think that at the end of it all, it'll be way worth it. Whatever he had planned in February, whatever it is, it'll be way more worth it if people just like, know that he, he's kinda like a mad scientist with his thing. He's like a little mad scientist," explained Ibrahim.
As noted in a report from Bet, the statement is neither a confirmation nor denial that J. Cole is still going to work on the album with Lamar. It has been previously reported that the two might not work together due to Kendrick Lamar's legal issues and one of J. Cole's Instagram posts indicated he might be collaborating with someone else now.
It is speculated that the album is likely going to be released by 2017 or as late as 2018 if the duo have already begun working together. However, it has been pointed out that the two artists are following different schedules, tours and pursuing their solo career, which means it is very unlikely any material has been recorded at this point. This might lead to a 2018 or 2019 release, if the album is still moving forward.
