"I didn't want to have to deal with having any moniker or separation between the self that I see and know myself as"

In this quote, Mos Def, an influential figure in music and culture, reveals a desire for authenticity and congruence in between his public persona and his real self. When he states, "I didn't wish to have to handle having any moniker or separation between the self that I see and know myself as", he is highlighting a resistance to the compartmentalization or fragmentation that typically occurs in the realm of celeb and public life.

The word "name" refers to a name or alias, which lots of people in the show business embrace, either for artistic factors or to produce a distinct brand name identity. However, Mos Def's declaration recommends a hesitation to be confined or specified by such an external label. He yearns for an identity that is holistic and unfragmented, where his external representation to the world matches his internal perception of self.

The notion of "separation between the self" highlights the common struggle of people in the public eye to maintain a genuine sense of identity in the middle of external pressures and expectations. This internal dispute can originate from the needs to keep a specific image or personality that might not line up with one's true beliefs, values, or sensations. For artists like Mos Def, this separation can be particularly problematic, as they navigate the fine line in between creative expression and personal authenticity.

The pursuit highlighted in this quote is about preserving integrity and coherence in identity. It advocates for a life where the external symptoms of one's identity-- how one provides oneself to the world-- are in harmony with how one genuinely views and values their own being. This endeavor, which resonates beyond the entertainment sector and into broader human experiences, highlights the universal desire to live authentically and stay real to one's core essence, devoid of synthetic or imposed identities.