"Say Goodnight" is the epitome of what Reks brings to the table. DJ Premier supplies a beat that updates his formula, as Reks uses the original texture of the composition to alter the timing in his delivery and emphasize cadence. Like Skyzoo (who is featured on the album) and Torae, Reks is proving that there are artists in the new class worth of hanging at the Headcourterz. Rhytmatic Eternal King Reigns Supreme lives up to his name with coded-language verses, connected by scratch-choruses. Just as the album opens with a nod to east coast boom-bap, the second half goes into the pensive perspectives that the region has traditionally given us from Edo G and Guru. "Premonition" is a joint effort with Termanology and Consequence that finds the three analyzing their drive to be here, and why patience is a rare virtue in Hip Hop. As quickly as Reks can kick in a door with a hot 16, he can point to a window that was previously unseen in another.

While DJ Premier's progressive production deserves affirmation, Large Professor's effort ("Stages") is the real shocker. The chop-master also utilizes scratches and a collage of samples to add a true gem to his catalog. The song splits into a look at performing stages and phases of art, fitting for an emcee hitting his stride, and a producer updating an approach similar to his Illmatic work. Besides the two heavy-handed legends, Statik Selektah handles a bulk of the album with a subtle style of Soul and Jazz-descended tracks that keep the cold street atmosphere brewing with a sense of timing and ability that places him snugly in the lineage of the two aforementioned icons.

Although his first two albums brought Reks into plenty of underground Hip Hop discussions, Grey Hairs lends itself to do more for this emcee's career in one year than the last 10. Nevertheless, the dues paid are apparent in the confidence, mic presence, and carefully chosen topics that this album offers. The Showoff Records label brings the '90s quality to the music with a contemporary approach and pace to getting it out, and Grey Hairs is likely to still sound meaningful when we've all got them.