Q-Tip's oft-delayed sophomore solo album, "The Renaissance," will finally hit stores this week via Universal Motown. The set blends live instrumentation, scratching and samples for a sound reminiscent of the rapper's work in A Tribe Called Quest.

The album closes with "Shaka," a song featuring an excerpt of one of presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign speeches over a guitar-tinged beat. "I really feel like he's a fresh new voice and alternative from what we've seen in the political scene in some time," Q-Tip says. "I see similarities in his way of thinking and my way. I really like him a lot."

Also featured is the piano-based "Getting Up," which is in the vein of Tribe's "Award Tour," the Raphael Saadiq-assisted "Fight/Love," which tells the stories of a girl in a troubled relationship and a young man fighting in Iraq, and "Life Is Better," featuring Norah Jones, where Q-Tip pays tribute to all his favorite rappers, including Biz Markie, LL Cool J, Leaders of The New School, Snoop Dogg, Eazy-E, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Brand Nubian and Pimp C.

Additionally, the album includes the 60's-inspired "Won't Trade," "ManWomanBoogie," with Amanda Diva, and "Believe," featuring the reclusive D'Angelo.