The Rise of Kim Kardashian: The Untold Story of Her Journey to Stardom

Kim Kardashian's path to fame was not always paved with glitz and glamour.

Back in 2002, she was merely a 22-year-old heiress, personal stylist, and girlfriend to Ray J, the brother of singer Brandy Norwood.

A pivotal moment came during a trip to Cabo, Mexico, in October of the same year to celebrate Kim's 23rd birthday.

Armed with a handheld camcorder, the couple innocently filmed themselves goofing around and engaging in intimate moments.

Fast forward to 2006, and Kim started making appearances in the media as the best friend of Paris Hilton.

It wasn't until March 2007 that the tapes recorded by Kim and Ray J were released to the public by Vivid Entertainment under the title “Kim Kardashian, Superstar.”

Despite initial legal battles to prevent its release, Kim's association with the s=x tape propelled her into the spotlight and transformed her into a pop culture icon over the following decade.

According to showbiz blogger Perez Hilton, Kim's ambition to succeed in Hollywood led her to explore various avenues, including managing celebrities' closets and seeking media coverage.

Former editor Kevin Dickson revealed the challenges faced in securing coverage for Kim before her breakthrough on television, notably on “The Simple Life.”

The early stages of Kim's public persona were also marked by strategic publicity attempts, such as being spotted with Nick Lachey post his split from Jessica Simpson, a move that backfired and attracted unwanted attention.

Amidst growing speculation surrounding the s=x tape, Kim's lawyer vehemently denied any involvement in planting stories or manipulating the media to boost her image.

Ultimately, Kim made the decision to settle with Vivid Entertainment, allowing the release of the controversial footage in February 2007, which reportedly earned her a substantial sum despite disputes over the exact figure.

The release of “Kim Kardashian, Superstar” in March 2007 catapulted Kim to unprecedented fame, leading to the end of her friendship with Paris Hilton and paving the way for her own reality series.

The enduring popularity of the s=x tape is evident, with over 150 million online views and Vivid dubbing March 2017 as “Kim K. s=x Tape Month,” solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.