While December is a notoriously slow month for, well, everything, it’s a great time to let local artists shine, as well as looking forward to what new music projects and live music opportunities 2022 will bring. Read on to check out two new rap releases, a winter showcase benefitting Friends of Noise, and exciting future happenings from Portland’s MAITA. MUST-LISTEN: Two great new releases from locally relevant artists. “Helvetica” and “At the Louvre,” Drae Slapz.