Insider: It's been a rocky year for Rihanna, and she seems to be finding her freedom and a path to her future in Las Vegas.

Her young boyfriend Chris Brown, whom many thought she'd marry, admitted to hitting her on the eve of the Grammys in February. Although the two were photographed together in March, she and Chris Brown are apparently not together. Brown recently made a personal video on his Web site apologizing for his actions, asking forgiveness from fans and again from Rihanna.

Seems he shouldn't worry about the singer. She's fine.

Rihanna came to Vegas over the July 4th weekend with her mentor Jay Z. She attended his performance at the Palms, as did LeBron James and Fabolous. After the tunes, the A-listers edged over to Lavo at Palazzo to dine and dance. Rihanna got to be early by Vegas standards as the following day she had an appearance to make at MGM Grand's Wet Republic pool. And she wasn't alone. She sat in a private cabana with friends and an unidentified hottie who had his arm around her waist in full view of party goers and paparazzi. The following night, after attending Jay Z's second performance at the Palms, Rihanna joined Jay Z and others at Tao inside the Venetian where they danced to their own tunes by the house DJ.

Rihanna and Jay Z are reportedly working on material for her next album. The two made an appearance at the Palms amazing recording studios, where Jay Z has also laid tracks with Eminem. They may be back in town in late July when Beyonce returns to Vegas July 30-Aug. 2 to perform for a four night appearance at the Wynn.

For LxM Kimberly McGee