"I don't wanna get into that space where a lot of guys now, their solo album is like eight or 10 songs with other people, you don't get an idea of who this guy is. I just wasn't interested in that"

In this quote, Mos Def is expressing his disinterest in the trend of solo albums including numerous cooperations with other artists. He thinks that this type of album does not permit a clear understanding of the artist's individual identity. By including other people on the album, the focus moves far from the artist and their personal expression. Mos Def values the idea of a solo album as a platform for an artist to showcase their special voice and point of view. He desires his music to be a real representation of himself, instead of a watered down version influenced by others.