As a child, Lamont Bentley moved to Los Angeles with his mother, an aspiring singer. He first appeared onscreen in guest roles on such popular television shows as Family Matters and The Parent 'Hood before landing his breakout role as Hakeem Campbell on the UPN Moesha. On January 18, 2005 Bentley was killed in a car accident on the San Diego Freeway. Celebrity Rap Superstar winner and former Moesha cast mate Shar Jackson dedicated her win to Bentley's memory.