a hook is a musical idea that is used in popular music to make a song appealing and to "catch the ear of the listener". it is usually a short riff, passage, or phrase. the term generally is used for popular music, especially rock, r&amp;b, hip hop, dance, and pop. in these genres, the hook is often in the chorus. a hook can be either melodic or rhythmic, and often uses the main motif for a piece of music.