Akon is a well-known vocalist, but his brother Abou “Bu” Thiam, a music executive, has also made a significant mark in the industry. At the young age of 28, he became the Vice President of A&R at Def Jam Records, working alongside notable artists like Chris Brown, Rihanna, Jay-Z, T-Pain, and more.
Between 2011 and 2013, Bu was in a serious connection with actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who happens to be Diana Ross’s daughter. Their public appearances and displays of love had everyone thinking they were destined for a lasting relationship. Bu was the only boyfriend Tracee ever went public with, reinforcing the authenticity of their connection.
In more not so far, Bu even left a flirty comment on one of Tracee’s internet posts, years after their split, complimenting her continued beauty. He confidently asserted in a 2016 interview that he and Tracee would remain in each other’s lives and be eternal lovers. Sorrowfully, their love story didn’t endure.
In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club (watch the video below), Bu opened the reasons behind his decision to part ways with the love of his life.
When questioned if he was in love with his ex-girlfriend, Tracee, Abou “Bu” Thiam said he was, and apparently still is, in love with her and that any future girlfriend will have to respect that:
“Yeah I was in love for sho.’… Me and Tracee gon’ be lovers forever man. You know what I’m saying? Like, I really do believe that. Me and her have this genuine, unconditional connection. … And anybody that comes in my life, like, they have to know that and vice versa with her.”
“I believe that being with somebody…it’s like managing…it’s a original job. It’s a real responsibility. … And she’s in a place in her career that if I can’t give her all of me, I don’t wanna waste- not…waste her time- but I don’t wanna put her in that space. … So why not give her chance to discover somebody else that can.”
He continued: “By the way, I’mma be honest, out of all the females that I dated- and not to discredit all the other girls, because I’ve been with some good females in my life- but she has to be one of the most unconditional loving spirited, good people.”