Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Tyga — real name Michael Stevenson — was initially flagged on a routine traffic violation … but during the stop, cops discovered the warrant stemming from 4 other traffic incidents.

According to KSNV in Nevada … Tyga’s prior issues include driving without a license, registration violations and unlawful acts of financial responsibility.

The “Rack City” and “Coconut Juice” rapper was hauled to the Clark County Detention Center where he was booked and tossed behind bars. He was released the next day on his own recognizance.

The CRS album (Kanye West, Pharrell, and Lupe Fiasco) may be on indefinite hold, but two thirds of the group are moving forward with a new project. Lupe Fiasco revealed on his website that he and Pharrell are recording a joint album.

 “LUPE AND PHARRELL ALBUM COMING SOON,” the Chicago MC wrote to his fans under the headline “Breaking News.”

In a previous interview, he explained why the CRS album was derailed. “CRS is still tentatively unscheduled until me and Pharrell and Kanye can sit down and come up with a game plan and see if it’s something feasible within the near future or is it something that we should maybe think about putting the brakes to completely,” he said.

In addition to his collaboration with Pharrell, he’s also prepping Food & Liquor 2, the sequel to his 2006 album. “I’m not gonna make the same mistake that I did with Lasers,” he said of last year’s chart-topping set.

As Chris Brown puts the finishing touches on his follow-up to platinum album “Fame,”  Brown readies “Fortune,” which will be in stores in within months.  He can be seen rocking a BIG fur in the promo shot for the upcoming album.  I’m sure PETA will have a hissy fit once they see the photo.  However, fans are more than ready for new material from the man, who Fat Joe recently dubbed the “female Beyonce.”

Rapper Snoop Dogg was arrested for possession of marijuana in Texas over the weekend. TMZ.com reports that Snoop’s tour bus was stopped at a border checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, in West Texas.  During the Border Patrol agents’ routine search of the bus, a K-9 reacted to something in a waste basket.

Police said they found a red prescription bottle with several joints inside, with just under a half-ounce of marijuana.  According to TMZ.com, Snoop claimed responsibility for the marijuana since he has a prescription in California, but Texas has a zero-tolerance policy.  The rapper was issued a citation for misdemeanor drug possession and released.  He faces up to 180 days in jail.

Music industry legend Sylvia Rhone and Grammy Award winning singer Kelly Rowland will be honored during Essence  magazine’s 3rd Annual Black Women In Music event, during Grammy Week next month.

Hollywood’s elite will celebrate the many accomplishments of Sylvia Rhone, who has been a powerful force as a top executive in the music industry for the past thirty years.

Sylvia Rhone has launched or signed artists like Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Keith Sweat, Nelly, Melanie Fiona, Akon, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte and the legendary Stevie Wonder, among many others.

“Sylvia Rhone has transformed the music industry with her vision and she has become a trailblazer for African-American women everywhere by breaking down barriers throughout her career,” said Essence president Michelle Ebanks. “Her exceptional talent, enduring humanity and effortless elegance make Sylvia a true Essence woman and we are honored to present her with the Essence Black Women in Music award.”

Rap star Eve will be the featured performance during the celebration, which will also honor the accomplishments and career of Kelly Rowland.

“We’ve watched Kelly Rowland for over a decade grow from a teenage sensation into an international superstar. Her talent, drive and remarkable creative force show what it truly means to be a young powerhouse in an ever-changing industry,” added Essence editor-in-chief Constance C.R. White. “Kelly embodies the ‘soul’ of young Black women through her music and we are proud to salute her dynamic contributions.”

Legendary rapper MC Lyte will serve as the DJ for the evening, which will be an invite only event that will take place on February 8, 2012 in Los Angeles.