I put a dry rub on my Prime Rib two days before I plan on smoking it, two hours before smoke time I put more dry rub on it and let it sit on the counter to bring it up to room temp, smoke at 225 for 4-5hrs, 2-3 pans of chips.
Brisket and ribs I do kinda the same way, put a dry rub on it the night before and again 1-2hrs before smoke time, let it sit out to bring the temp up before it go's in the smoker.
Make sure you have the smoker up to desired temp before sticking anything in it.