0:00 – Introduction If you've been to a wedding in the last 30 years, you probably know his solo by heart. He's the man Whitney Houston trusted with a rhythm section, the secret weapon behind Maze—and today he's here to break down exactly how he created one of the most iconic guitar tones in modern R&B history. Who is he? Mr. Jubu Smith. 0:39 – Welcome Trevor welcomes Jubu to the show and reflects on hearing Hamster Wheel, praising the emotion and feel in Jubu’s playing. Jubu shares that the track was recorded with Charlie Hunter and Calvin Napper, describing it as a Bay Area funk collaboration rooted in deep musical chemistry. 1:47 – Oakland Roots & Church Foundation Trevor takes the conversation back to Oakland and the church, highlighting the quartet tradition that shaped Jubu’s musicianship. Jubu explains how Oakland’s cultural melting pot—blues, jazz, gospel, funk—formed his musical DNA. He shares his family lineage: parents from Louisiana and Mississippi, a mother who helped found the Lumsey Sisters, and a father whose singing deeply influenced him. 4:13 – Quartet Guitar Influences Jubu names foundational influences including Howard Carroll, the Dixie Hummingbirds, Slim and the Supreme Angels, and the Pilgrim Jubilees. He explains that growing up, quartet music was all that was played in his home—no R&B, no blues—just gospel. “That became my foundation,” he says. 5:21 – Ancestral Connections & Musical Lineage Trevor and Jubu uncover ancestral links through gospel history, including connections to Questlove’s grandfather. They reflect on how musical lineage passes through generations and shows up in feel—not just technique. 7:25 – Quartet as a Secret Weapon Jubu explains that quartet guitar became his “secret sauce.” Without bringing that tradition into every musical situation, he says, he didn’t feel confident. “Once I said, ‘Just play like you play in church,’ everything opened up.” 9:12 – The Birth of “Anniversary” Jubu traces the inspiration back to high school jazz band rehearsals and a harmony figure that stayed with him for years. That idea resurfaced when he joined Tony! Toni! Toné!, eventually becoming the now-legendary guitar line in “Anniversary.” 14:30 – Knowing It Was a Hit After recording the music, Jubu describes leaving the studio on an emotional high—so sure something special had happened that he couldn’t shake the feeling. Moments later, he was pulled over by police, mistaken for a robbery suspect, handcuffed on the ground—yet smiling. “I knew I was on a hit record. No lyrics yet. Just felt it.” 17:31 – Euge Groove & Modern Collaboration Trevor and Jubu discuss years of collaboration with Euge Groove and how modern technology allows musicians to create cohesive records without being in the same room—what Jubu calls “a band that never gets together.” 19:22 – The Jubu Trio Jubu explains his trio with Charlie Hunter and Calvin Napper, describing real-time composition—calling chord changes live, reacting instinctively, and allowing imperfections to become part of the music. 22:58 – Integrity Over Money Trevor recounts inviting Jubu to work with Dr. Dre—and Jubu turning it down to honor his commitment to Frankie Beverly. Jubu reflects honestly on the financial sacrifice, the temptation, and the long-term peace that came from choosing loyalty. “All money ain’t good money.” 30:32 – Touring with Whitney Houston Jubu shares how he earned the Whitney Houston gig by staying true to his voice rather than conforming. He describes Whitney as generous, misunderstood, and deeply committed to her band. “To this day, it’s the best tour I’ve ever done.” 35:30 – Musical Discipline Stories emerge about drummer Michael Baker, restraint on pop gigs, and how true mastery is revealed when great musicians choose simplicity over ego. 37:30 – AI in Music Jubu’s take is direct: “AI can’t do anything until we do it first.” He explains that technology doesn’t threaten authenticity—only people abandoning craft do. 42:04 – Advice for the Next Generation Jubu’s message is simple: Work on the craft every day. Post your playing. Trust your voice. Stay in love with the instrument. “I don’t practice. I play.” 46:50 – Closing Trevor thanks Jubu for his honesty, legacy, and inspiration. They close with mutual respect, future plans to reconnect, and encouragement for musicians to keep creating with intention.