See here's the thing about femcees. Male artists can look however they want (as long as they're not too fugly...hell I've even seen some ugly as hell rappers like the Yin Yang Twins make dough). When's the last time you've EVER seen an ugly femcee?
Ok so Queen Latifah, Mia X, and Missy Elliott (I know there are more that I'm not thinking about so early in the A.M.)were a little chunky, but their looks were enough to get through. Shit, let's be honest, most of the fans of Missy Elliott that I know are women...not to say that she has male fans as well, but the ratio is small compared to women. As long as sex sells, you could have a female who could take out men in a battle, but if she's not cute or doesn't fit a certain image, nobody wants anything to do with her? Do I agree with this? Not personally, but as a industry, that's just how it is and the only thing that will change that is the opinions of individuals.
On that note, let's be honest. If you've got Missy Elliott rappin' about sex on a video and you have Eve talkin' the same shit, which one is more likely to get you rocked up? No hate on Missy but Eve would win that shit hands down.
Now that wasn't said to take any credit away from Missy, cause she's grown with the game and gotten a LOT smarter with it, but I see her as someone who can shape and mold newcomers and help them sell.