Lil' Wayne's long awaited new album Tha Carter III's release date has been pushed back - to allow the rapper more time to create an LP that will "stick with you forever".

The star - real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. - was set to release his latest hip-hop offering in May, but the release has been delayed until June, according to music site Sohh.com.

The hip-hop star's upcoming LP will be his first solo release since 2005's smash hit Tha Carter Ii, and is set to complete the rapper's Tha Carter trilogy of albums.

But the star has defended the setback, insisting the album is worth waiting for: "It's one of those albums people are really waiting on, it will stick with you forever. I'm taking my time with it."

Even though fans will have to wait an extra month for the album, the Lp's first single Lollipop has proved a hit, shooting up to number four on the U.s. Hot 100 chart last week.